Leisa Glenn Bates

It is with great sadness that we share that Leisa Glenn Bates (65) of Bedford, Texas passed away on October 20th, 2023 while on vacation with her high school sweetheart in New York City.

Leisa, the eldest of four children, made her grand entrance into this world on December 30th, 1957 and was the first-born of Thomas and Karen Davis Glenn of Oak Cliff, Texas. She was such a beautiful baby and, as the first grandchild of the Davis and Glenn family, the apple of their eye. She brought much joy and happiness.

In 1959, the family moved to Hurst and then Bedford. It was here that Leisa spent her formative years, growing up and making memories. She was a Camp Fire Girl, and much to her mother's dismay, she was a tomboy who loved going fishing with her daddy. She was also an athlete and loved to play sports, including volleyball and pitching for the church softball team. Perhaps her affinity for sports was destiny, because it was here she met her future husband of 47 years, Lugene (Gene) Bates, Jr.

When she was 15, Leisa went on her first date with Gene. It didn't go quite as planned, resulting in a two-week grounding for missing curfew by an hour because her mom and dad didn't believe the "song and dance" explanation of getting lost in Venus, Texas. The grounding was short-lived, however, lasting only until her mom and dad drove through road construction in Fort Worth and got lost in.... Venus. Oh, the fun that must have been, listening to their apology and cancelling the grounding.

Gene and Leisa later married on September 25th, 1976 and lived in several cities over the years - Irving, Arlington, Columbus, OH, Farmers Branch, North Richland Hills, Euless, Grapevine, Fort Worth and Bedford. Nine years after marriage, On April 2nd, 1985, they blessed the family with their first daughter, Melissa Karling. Two years later, Melissa became a big sister when Laura Michelle was born on March 30th, 1987. She was an incredible wife and mother, carefully curating a warm, loving home to raise her girls and providing a rich and nurturing family experience.

Later in life, Melissa and her husband blessed Leisa with two beautiful grandchildren, Joshua and Leila. Just like with her children, her love knew no bounds for her grandbabies. She was always present for school events, basketball games, planning birthday parties, and holiday events. Leisa loved being surrounded by her family, making sure everyone felt her love, and giving the best hugs!

While Leisa's family was her passion, she gave herself in other ways as well. She taught 4th graders Sunday School at First Baptist Church of Grapevine for several years to lead children to Christ, as she was led when she was 14. She loved to garden, providing tender loving care for God's creations; sheltering them from the summer heat, toiling in the soil, daily watering, pruning, and transplanting. It was her place of peace to reflect on her beautiful family and mull the mysteries of life. She was also an avid Dallas Stars fan and enjoyed riding the train with the family to see a game!

Leisa's daughter, Laura, introduced her to volunteering with her Australian Shepherd rescue organization, which later became a calling for the entire family. Leisa and Gene fostered over 33 precious dogs through the Aussie Rescue & Placement Helpline (ARPH) Southwest Region. Over the years, three different "foster fails" also became permanent members of the family. Leisa leaves Peter to walk beside Gene and comfort him, but Piper and Jayla are with Leisa.

Leisa is survived by husband Lugene (Gene) Bates Jr., daughter Melissa Karling (Brian) Denton, grandson Joshua Thomas Denton and granddaughter Leila Ann Denton; daughter Laura Michelle (Nathan) Kempf.

As mentioned, Leisa is the eldest of four children. She is survived by her mother Karen Davis Glenn, and she leaves behind all three siblings, their spouses, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. They include sister Jana White, brother Todd (Kathleen) Glenn and their children Riley, Sarah and her son Sagan Berlanga, Emily (Jonathan) Wallace and their children, Fletcher, Maisie, Elodie Wallace. Brother Jeff Glenn and children Liam and Jackson.

Leisa is also survived by her Aunts Betty Tennison, Jill Steigman, and Marty Stewart, Uncles Larry (Janice) Glenn, Gary Glenn and her extended family including many cousins.

Leisa was preceded in death by her father John Thomas Glenn, grandparents David Glenn, Geneva Brammer, Delmer and Sybil Davis, her Uncle John Tennison, and Aunt Linda Glenn.

A visitation for Leisa will be held Friday, October 27, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home, 5725 Colleyville Blvd, Colleyville, TX 76034. A funeral service will occur Saturday, October 28, 2023 from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM at First Baptist Church of Hurst, 1801 Norwood Dr, Hurst, TX 76054.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Aussie Rescue & Placement Helpline http://www.aussierescue.org/In-Memorium

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.bluebonnethills.com for the Bates family.